Apple are limiting the maximum noise a  device can use by measuring how loud a very loud mp3 plays at max volume. Then, they apply a software cap on the volume slider. This is because The European Union has stepped in to protect our ears, and have set some limits to how much sound a personal music device can produce.  

So your now going to ask why is this a problem ? I have an 4GB iPod nano myself (“second generation”) and have started to listen to podcasts on the train and tube journey to work. I am having trouble hearing the voices of a podcast, most music has a good volume level for my needs, but this particular podcast I’m listening is very low on volume (I can’t hear the voices).

Today I found GoPod, a tool which can remove the volume limit on many iPod models. This process is called “uncapping” the volume.  I’ll be trying it tonite !!!